Rubber Stamping Backgrounds

Make Rubber Stamping Backgrounds Using a Few Simple Techniques

Great backgrounds for rubber stamping projects can be created using a few basic techniques. It is simple to make rubber stamping backgrounds and create dramatic effects using supplies that are readily available without the need to buy any fancy equipment.

This is a great way to ensure the perfect backdrop for a rubber stamping project. Knowing how to create your own backgrounds gives you an almost endless supply of interesting and unique papers, while also saving money over shop bought papers....MORE The backgrounds can be varied and adapted by using different color schemes and papers to create wonderful effects.

The wonderful bubble prints that this technique produces belies its simplicity. All that is required is paint, water and a squirt of dish washing liquid. This technique is fun to do and is ideal for a whole range of projects.

Create a Background with Chalk Shavings

Chalk shavings create wonderful swirls and patterns on wet paper. Each sheet is unique and the effects range from subtle to dramatic.

04 of 09

Cling Film and Inks

Background created with paint and clingfilm. Kate Pullen

Scrunched up plastic, such as cling film, creates complex textured backgrounds for rubber stamping projects and works well with ink or paint. This technique is easy to adapt and vary to create a wide range of results.

Distressing paper is a great way to add age and texture to a project. This makes an effective background for many stamping projects including handmade cards. The distressing technique is deceptively simple to do and very easy to adapt.

06 of 09

Create Alcohol Ink Backgrounds

Make alcohol ink backgrounds. Kate Pullen

Alcohol inks are a great way for making unusual backgrounds for stamping projects. They can be used to create bold and definite designs or more subtle effects. This technique works well on glossy paper, however interesting effects can also be achieved on matte paper.

Create your own unique papers by stamping all over a piece of paper. This is such an easy technique, yet it is also very effective. Vary the type of stamp or the color of ink for different effects.

08 of 09

Doily Background

Card with a doily stencil background. Kate Pullen

The humble paper doily can produce lovely lacy patterns when used as a stencil. This is ideal for many projects and is a versatile technique. This works particularly well with simple rubber stamping designs.

Go to 'How To' page

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Tips for Using Backgrounds

Tear around paper to create textured edges. For a professional finish color the edges with a color to coordinate with the project.

Use paper punches to punch shapes from scraps of background paper to use as embellishments.

Keep a supply of scrap paper to practice with - old printer paper is ideal.

Simple rubber stamp designs look great with complex backgrounds, whereas detailed rubber stamp designs are complemented by more simple backgrounds. A very detailed stamp design combined with a complex...MORE background may look overly 'busy' whereas a simple stamp design and background may look 'stark'. However many fantastic effects can be achieved by disregarding all design rules - so experiment and see what works for you!